WARNING: This story contains mature elements such as manipulation, Non-Con, humiliation.


Chapter 21: A Chance for Flight


Their legs, intertwined. Her hair around his. His chest against hers, firm. His breathing, soft, steady. His arms wrapped around her. His lips on the crown of her head.

A man's heart is through his stomach, but a woman's heart is through his love. And for once in her life, the human-turned-goddess (or something close enough that teetered along the lines of immortality and impossibility within this virtual constructed world) allowed herself to feel this blessed warmth. It was unlike anything she's ever felt, and she… she wanted it. She needed it.

No words had to be said as she simply revelled in the feeling of his arms around her body. Her body, untouched all this while, now craved for his touch. Wants him to treat her like his woman, just as he had done the night prior.

Carnal desires, love, emotions—such convoluted little things that make her enjoy everything so, so much. Had she subjected herself to such desires, perhaps things have changed. But the past is the past, and her present is so much more than she deserved.

To the boy she loves,

To the one who made her a woman,

To he, for whom she chose to change for…

Quinella used to be happy. Or at least, she had been content with her supremacy. She had been at the top of the world and watched over it with pragmatism, distance and cruel love, as the Administrator who was beloved yet feared. She had everything wrapped around her finger, and the future was bathed in blood.

Right now, Quinella is happy. In the arms of the love of her life, even if he forced her to become his… she wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Perhaps it was the lack of proper love she had received when she was a child, the expectations, or her secret desire to be dominated. But she wanted this. Her future was suddenly so much more beautiful.

"A-Ahh! Y-You..! I-I mean—I-I don't—"

"Well, good morning to you too, Quinella. No, it's fine. It would have made less sense if you didn't freak out like you did."

Anyone could have pitied her, called her the victim in all of this. And perhaps they were in the right to do so; she had, after all, not chosen to submit to him. It was more of a spur of the moment, forced into such because she could not reject release. She wanted to let go, and bask in the act of carnal love.

But this… this feeling right now?

"A-Aeh?" When he pulled her by the waist to his side, her face in his chest, she could have never thought that she enjoyed this. "Ahhmm…"

"See? Just relax, there's nothing wrong," Kirito, the Black Swordsman. Perhaps she should have been afraid of him, or even wary of him. But just in this moment, when he wanted to show his love (and not tell) by kissing her on the forehead, she just adored it. "Had a good night's sleep?"

"I… yes…" She didn't need a mirror to know that she was smiling. "You… were wonderful last night, master…"

Quinella, for once in her life, had found her happy ever after.


Underworld, Central Cathedral, Floor 100—17th September, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

"Mmh… H-Huh?"

But not all happy-ever-after's remain forever.

If there was ever a place for doubt that the fake goddess had ever slept in the presence of someone else, they might have been wrong on that—until very recently. Well, even then, that's only been for one night, considering how he had to return to Rulid Village to oversee things going on there.

Today shouldn't be any different. Not the last time she had woken up alone on her bed, yet it still didn't change the fact that it's been an entire day since she promised herself. Promised to… to break it off with Kirito.

It sounded so ridiculous, so impossible. After tasting the bliss of lust and love with the help of another person, she very much wanted to keep holding on the anchor that really helped her look into the beauty of humanity. But she knew that she'd one day poison the hand that held hers to the point that it might just be his undoing. So, for the sake of them both, she had to let go of him.

A selfish notion on her part, but one that she deemed necessary. To save him from herself, to not drag him down any more than what's been done.

His childhood friend being taken away. His crime of killing someone. His page almost getting raped. His best friend almost dying.

A hand clutched her face, a scowl that reflected self-hate that no one would have thought possible for her; someone who loved herself more than anything else. And yet, such was how she felt, unable to do anything more but to simply hate herself for what she's done, both directly and indirectly.

She had been asinine, she will admit that. All her decisions thus far had been self-serving, poorly made; it was why Lycoris came into existence. She was birthed from her mistake, and she swore to take her life to prevent the world they sought to protect from meeting its ruin.

Lycoris was just trying to do the right thing. She had been too blind to see or accept that.

Of course, it wasn't any better that she sought to purge the world as well. It felt too wrong, and the fact that Kirito's intervention had prevented the possibilities of either a defragmented world and a ruined one was a blessing she wouldn't dare to take granted any time soon.

The lack of his arms around her torso, or his kisses against her neck, or even his presence whatsoever, made her feel lonelier than ever.

With a small sigh of discontent, Lady Quinella left the confines of her bed, naked for all to see. Fortunately for her, no one was there to see her at all, as she would have likely sent them flying out of the cathedral out of anger.

Only one person can ever see her this way. And even then, she wouldn't want him to; she was just too… too angry. Too stressed.

A look at a mirror to the side revealed small bags underneath her eyes. How is that possible..?

Nothing that a quick «Sacred Art» couldn't fix, of course, but the memory is forever there. The fact that she had been stressed enough to develop eyebags would remain with her forever—it didn't help that she was unable to sleep throughout the night, mind still recalling her words to her lover.

Why did he choose her? Why did he accept her, even after all her faults? Just… why?

She wasted no time to put on a dress, too tired to care if she didn't look picture perfect. She doubted she had enough energy to care right now. All that she does know, however, was that her people needed its ruler. For them, for Kirito… she'll change.

She'll protect it, even if it means she'll have to go down in doing so.


Underworld, Central Cathedral, Floor 50, Great Hall—30th September, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

She was a woman, first and foremost. She was also the ruler of four entire nations.

He was a boy before everything. A swordsman, a protector, a friend, a brother, her second hand.

Once upon a time, she might have never wanted to trust another person, unable to believe that they would never turn against her. Her frantic paranoia, general distrust of others and desire to stand alone at the top of her world—all of that kept her away from everyone, deciding to walk her path on her own.

But she supposed not all plans are meant to stay the way they should. Some people are content with forcing themselves into another's life, all just to save them.

She hated it. Hated how she hadn't allowed someone into her life much sooner. Perhaps she should have focused less on increasing her «System Control Authority» and instead reach out to others. Nobleman as her father was, that didn't mean that she couldn't have interacted with other children?

But her heart felt burdened at the thought. It meant that she would have grown up as a normal woman. A respected and beloved one, perhaps, but she would have never reached the level that she's at now. She would then be married with some boy she fancied or someone her father chose, then she would spend the remaining days with him, and die on her bed, just as she should have before she achieved immortality.

If she had chosen that path… she wouldn't be here to fight the Dark Forces, wouldn't be able to meet him

All these paths clashed against one another, never allowing a middle road in which she could have it all. Life could never be perfect for everyone, as there would always be 'what if's', 'maybe's' and 'I should have', and it hadn't been exactly perfect for her thus far.

Meeting the love of her life… call her a romantic, but she wouldn't have wanted it any other way. A future without him sounded bleak, lacklustre and pointless. Perhaps it was her heart or her pussy talking, but she didn't want a life without him.

It seemed that he had little difficulty to just let her go, but he didn't want to.

'He has so many girls that likes him, and I can assume that he likes one of them…' She thought to herself as she watched him from the corner of her vision. Such a diligent worker. He had been mature before, and yet he's only managed to grow even more. 'But he doesn't want to let go of me…'

The thought brought warmth to her chest and constricted her guts. Why couldn't he just hate her?

Oh, he made it very clear on the first day. But she understood that, the moment that she had realized her mistake and genuinely wanted to change, he couldn't allow himself to give up on her. He hadn't given up on anyone, and he most certainly wouldn't do that now.

He hadn't given up on his brother, or his valets—not when Eugeo almost prematurely lost his life to the end of a sword, and Ronye and Tiese were to be used for their bodies. Even if that meant he had to stain his hands in blood, even if his life was forfeit, he had readily given up on everything just to save them.

Humans are fickle, emotional things. They're driven to do the most outrageous things when they start feeling, and it's so beautiful.

That had been the difference between him and her—while she had locked all her emotions away, he had embraced all of them to strengthen himself. Both his emotions and his bonds that he built with the people he met in his journey.

What a weak-minded creature she had been. To have only realized all of this only after she's held the hand of her saviour… she supposed it was better than simply becoming a lifeless, feeling-less husk in the end. Powerful, yes, but alone.

Right now, all she wanted more than anything was to go to him. To talk to him. To say something.

But… damn it..!

"Seventh day of the eleventh month, Eastern Gate. Ten Lords Assembly, which accounts for all ten different races… No, there are five inhuman races. Five for each, huh? Hmm…"

"That's incredibly large. In comparison to our fifty thousand troops, it might make sense that their ranks far outnumber us."

A teenager. A young man, no older than twenty, now ruling an entire kingdom of humans.

She might have once considered herself too smart to fall for such a jest. After all, even if she hadn't much interaction with others during her teenage years, she knew enough to know that this was the rebellious stage of humans. Too emotional, too reckless and too thoughtless of their actions, they were more prone to faults than boons.

The world, however, was more content to prove her wrong, as the living proof that such young humans can indeed be capable of amazing feats was sitting before her right now. He was doing his best, and that alone ensured lives would be safe at the end of the day.

Children and their mother would be at home, waiting. And because of his work today, the father would get to return to them, tired but happy.

Thousands will die, but they have to try to make sure it doesn't happen. They have to.

How terrifying. When one simply looked at deaths as numbers, all that they could ever think of is the severity of the battle. How hard-fought it had been, to finally achieve the end that they wish for. But once you actually peer into their lives, and thought of the meaning of it all… it hurt. It hurt so, so fucking much.

She had been all too willing to sacrifice her people, no matter how cruel the numbers, to create powerful golems. Golems that would be capable of killing the enemy easily.

It was too much.

She stopped to think how it must have been for knight Alice. Her parents and her so very young sister must have been torn inside, and she hadn't considered that?

Kirito was the stark opposite of what she stood for; he treasured each life. He chooses to fight alongside them—for even a single life. He wouldn't let himself stand aside and let everyone else fight for him. He had the choice to do so, but that's not how he worked. He wanted to be there, to protect every fragile thing. Even if it breaks, he would try to fix it.

It's such strong humanity within him that she can't help but fall for. It's unlike anything that her father ever stood for. Her mother? Bah. Like she mattered. Perhaps she turned to drinking, perhaps she simply lazed away in the comforts of her own home. What little memory she had of her mother was a puppet, a useless person who saw her as just a ticket to wealth and respect.

Now, she could be so much more. And she wanted to be more.

"Lipia, we need a bit of your help," she heard him say. Had he always been this responsible? Perhaps. He had fought to protect lives before this. Back in 'Sword Art Online'. "Run us through the entire army and their details, if you would."

She didn't bother listening to Lipia because she already knew, but she was still amazed with how serious Kirito was taking all of this. She would expect no less of him.

Not like she would ever burden him with such expectations, as her fool of a father had before her. She simply acknowledged her lover's strength and loved it.

'Say something…' She desperately wanted to open her mouth, the words rolling in the back of her tongue. 'Say something..!'

She couldn't. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't.

In fear of rejection, anger of herself, and understanding the bad timing of the situation—it would be odd if she suddenly told him that she wanted to 'be a part of his life again' during a war council—she couldn't do anything but just sit there, listen, and be stupid.

She needed time. Gods, she still needed time. She just isn't prepared for this!

This wasn't an issue that she could solve with her rapier or «Sacred Arts». It was a matter of the heart, something that Ca—Lycoris had told her she would have to face head-on, no matter how painful and scary it is.

Maybe she could just keep quiet forever. Never bring it up with him ever again. He certainly looks fine… but she knew it was all an act. He was giving her the space she asked him for, because he didn't want to hurt her.

How she wishes for him to push himself into her life once more. He has, but this time, her heart wanted him out, even if it desperately yearned for him.

'Human beings…' She thought to herself with a hint of melancholy, but she was able to find it in herself to smile warmly as she watched the curious interaction between her lover and Edith, who looked to be on a cloud nine after being granted the chance to become an Integrity Knight. 'Beautiful, ugly things.'

Pride begets error, but in this moment, she was so proud to be human.


Underworld, Central Cathedral, Floor 50, Great Hall—2nd October, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

Quinella had lived a life of solitude her entire life, unable to trust anyone because she feared losing control over things.

That was the single thing she didn't want to lose. She could not afford to let plans crumble apart because she was unable to control the people around her—after all, there was no reason for things to go completely wrong all because the seed of rebellion had been planted in the heart of one.

The person could very well go on to sway others to their cause and fight back against her. It was for that reason that she had relied on the Fluctlight-altering ritual, thus allowing her to program them in a way that allowed her to 'reset' them into a more loyal state. After all, loyalty gives way for total control. The Integrity Knights, before having their memories returned, are prime examples of that.

Still, she recognized her incapability to place even a bit of trust in others would undoubtedly place her in trouble. And it was for that reason that she had built herself a very small circle of individuals she could trust to a certain extent.

In the present day, such a circle has grown incredibly large, thanks to her lover, whom had honestly made it as the third person that she could trust.

The second was… urgh, Chudelkin. She's beginning to question why she's keeping him around, if only because he's proving to be quite useful to her for the time being. No reason to get rid of him for now.

And the first, as limited as it was, was her first Integrity Knight, Bercouli. A wise and loyal fighter, even if he had his bouts of suspicion, he made for a trusty confidant, even if she didn't spill every dark secret of hers to him.

And in this very moment, the man who could be considered the oldest in this room (second to Lady Quinella. Who knows how old Chudelkin was) could be seen smiling.

Integrity Knight Bercouli Synthesis One, or as he liked to be called nowadays, just Bercouli. Because titles were stiff little things and he dreaded to think just how difficult it might be for people to pronounce his name all the time. Who would have thought he and Kirito had something to share in common?

Hell, he'll take Uncle from Alice or Old Man from some of the kids in Rulid Village because they're more casual, more down-to-earth. Certainly gets him to laugh when he gets called Old Man, even if the kids end up getting thwacked in the back of their heads by their parents, then getting nagged at about respect to their elders.

Honestly, they shouldn't even mind. They called him 'Sir' most of the time, and that alone made him feel a hundred years older.

Doesn't really matter, considering he's three hundred years old, but he's always going to be forty at heart (and it turns out that he is, biologically, forty).

But back to the topic. Old Man Bercouli was a lot of things; the first Integrity Knight, the founder of Rulid Village, leader of all the Integrity Knights, and proud wielder of the Time Piercing Sword.

He had to admit, being an Integrity Knight was nice, and not for the perks. He could hardly care about those. It mostly had to do with the fact that he got to meet so many people and teach them—it's something that he's always enjoyed the most, getting to train and chat with the knights during their free time.

The first time he realized that was with Little Alice (she lets him use the pet name still, even if it does leave her flustered sometimes). She was his little apprentice, the first girl he had naturally come to care for and teach the ways of the sword to. The same applied to Fanatio, the woman whom he had absolutely no trouble looking into the eyes of, or simply accepting her smile without looking like a nervous wreck when she left. Not even the little brats snickering at him when he watched her hips sway can make him think otherwise.

…Damn it. No one's going to blame him if he amped up Linel's and Fizel's training schedule, right? No one would mind. It's for their own good.

Nonetheless, it was always an honour to look after the Integrity Knights. Knowing that his family are long gone now, the knights have become his new family, with him sort of like the father Kind of. He looked after them, taught them everything he knew, and sought to protect them to the best that he could. And having a new family member made everything better, every time.

"What do you think of her?" His thoughts came to a stop as he made himself focus on Fanatio, who was looking ahead to where the newest addition of their order was kneeled before three prominent figures.

"Hmm… She's excited, that much is for sure. And skilled too, if what Kirito said is true," the man allowed a simple smile to form, rubbing his chin. "She'll definitely be a great help."

The woman doesn't respond any further, simply content to watch the ritual with a smile. Everyone else were present there too, lined up in rows to watch the ceremony at the front, all looking happy and excited. And he'd admit that he felt that way too.

Unlike the «Synthesis Ritual», an utterly inhumane ritual that the Administrator used to basically force someone into submission, they were going for a more simple knighting ceremony. And all his worry basically evaporated there and then.

Lady Quinella, wearing her usual dress and hair spilling free like a river behind her, stood in between her second hand and second pontifex—Kirito to his right, clad in his black garbs, wearing his calm yet friendly look, while Cardinal was to his right, staff in hand and wearing her trademark robes and hat, staring down at the girl before them.

Edith Aegir, young girl as she was, soon to become an Integrity Knight.

It was only right that Quinella, the Human Realm's Ruler, be the one to officiate her welcoming as an Integrity Knight. Drawing Silvery Eternity from her sheathe, she lifts it into the air for all to see, allowing light to bounce off its polished edge. Just like a twinkling star at night.

"Edith Aegir, daughter of Veruna Aegir, wielder of Dark Slash Sword. Through your accomplishments and your bravery, you have proven yourself worthy of inheriting the duties of an Integrity Knight, and become a beacon for others to look up to," the woman spoke in a way that she had recited a long script or something. "By the word of Lady Quinella, Ruler of the Human Realm, you are now Integrity Knight Edith Synthesis Thirty-Two. May you find the light in the darkness, and become the sword of the people."

Gently, and with grace befitting a ruler such as herself, she tapped her left shoulder with the edge of her blade as she spoke, then doing the same to her other shoulder.

She sheathed her rapier, making an effort to ensure the click was loud. Enough to act as a cue for the girl to rise. She did so, putting on a look of confidence that was most certainly threatening to break apart, dangerously close to letting out her explosive happiness and a need to scream in joy.

Instead, she beat her right fist across her heart, the chestplate of her armour ringing back with a loud sound, and bowed. "Of course, Lady Quinella. For the glory of the Human Realm, I shall do my best to serve."

And with that, applause from everyone present to watch. Not a lot, really, but it meant all the more to them.

And Bercouli found himself clapping along, a big grin on his face all the way.


Underworld, Central Cathedral, Floor 90, Great Bath—2nd October, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

"Oh my Goddesses, it's finally over..!"

"You were great, sis! I'm proud of ya'!"

Integrity Knight Edith Synthesis Thirty-Two. For once, there had never been a moment that she was proud to officiate one's standing as a knight, partly because she hardly cared back then and also because it was too easy. Too riskless.

But seeing the joy radiate from this girl, for having finally accomplished her lifelong dream which she has helped to give her… she felt proud. Verily so. And to witness her being surrounded by all her friends and her new knight comrades, it made her heart swell.

Of course, not all happiness was permanent. For the younger girl, it turned from sheer relief of not having messed up the ceremony with her own clumsiness to embarrassment from all the compliments that she kept getting from the other Integrity Knights and friends, and now it was chagrin and fluster because she had to deal with her older sister's teasing.

Everyone, herself included, laughed at the sight, relaxing in the warm waters and allowing themselves to rejuvenate. And by the goddesses, was she glad that the architects who built this cathedral had built this entire floor as well. She wouldn't know what to do without it.

In all honesty, Quinella wasn't even sure what she should have done in that moment. It was, after all, the first time she's ever had to knight someone without using that ritual, and she knows that she can never repeat it, or else she'll get into trouble. She promised Cardinal and… him… that she won't do it ever again.

'Oh, for the love of… Uurgh…' Hiding her mild annoyance by dipping herself lower beneath the waters, her lips still formed a frown. Anyone looking at her in that moment would have compared her to a child who was denied of their sweets. She thanked the waters and thick steam for hiding her face from the world. 'Why can't I just go talk to him already..?'

She had promised Cardinal, and that's been a month ago. Heavens forbid her from ever forgetting, or else her 'sister' would drag her to his doorstep and force them to reconcile.

Thankfully, she wasn't that ruthless. She still understood her needs of… well, collecting herself? She wasn't sure how to put it, but she just wasn't sure if she even wanted to talk to him. No, she knew she wanted to, but she just couldn't do it. She was too much of a coward.

A groan escaped her throat, coming out as bubbles at the surface. How could a single chat with the boy that she loves be so damned difficult? Running four entire kingdoms plus Centoria didn't even come close to matching this!

So far, they haven't exactly been able to do anything other than look each other in the eyes (sometimes)… and that was it. No conversation, no approaching one or the other, nothing.

An outsider might assume that they're purposely avoiding one another, but that was only half-truth. She was avoiding him. He was more than happy to talk to her whenever she was ready, but decided to hold back only because she respected her wishes for distance.

Goddesses… Why did things have to be so complicated? If he was such an evil person, it might have made things easier. And yet, she had to be so fortunate to have met such a wonderful person and fall for him. Uurgh!

Her mind is made up. Being human is hard.

How do people deal with emotions? This is so much harder than everything else that she's ever done in her life.

Become strong enough to win the love of her people and take over the Human Realm? Accomplished that one.

Raise her «System Control Authority» high enough until she could cast a «Sacred Art» capable of halting her «Life» and make herself young again? Been there, done that.

Learn of and use a «Sacred Art» capable of manipulating a person's Fluctlight and turn them into immortal knights that were loyal to her? She managed that, yeah.

Deal with human emotions, a boy she was stupidly in love with, and trying to bury the hatchet between them?

Goddesses, she thought she's seen all of it. Clearly, she was just naïve if she seriously thought that she did. There were just too many things that she's been oblivious to. And she gets to enjoy them now without a single shred of guidance. Joy!

"Ya' know, I'm kind of glad that Kirito didn't ask you to beat him. That would have been waaay too much to ask," Lisbeth drawled for emphasis, and everyone immediately agreed with her. "Guess he just wanted to see if you've got the spirit for it or not."

"Not having to beat him is such a leniency. I don't think I could have won, much less survive his attacks forever," the newly knighted girl groaned from where she was, getting small pats on the shoulder from her sister. "How about you girls? You won against him?"

A resounding 'nope', 'no' and 'not at all' was her answer.

Of course, Yuuki had to be the odd one out. "I won against him plenty of times! Well, he got me that one time, but it isn't official!"

"It's true. Well, Yuuki aside, all of us have at least fought against him, and the results are… well, you can kind of predict it," nervously answered Leafa, the other girl in question beaming in satisfaction. "I haven't seen him lost to anyone before, although he might have… Has he?"

"So far, I cannot tell. He had managed to best me… well, sort of best me in our duel together, although he did have Eugeo's assistance in the fight," not like Alice could forget how it went, considering how both she and Eugeo went flying out of the Cathedral!

Impressed couldn't do her feelings justice. She knew he was special, that was no doubt. Witnessing for the first time as he drew both his sword and hers, then somehow using them to fight… well, it was nothing short of magic. That's even with «Sacred Arts» being a thing!

Well, no matter. Sooner or later, they would be fighting in the war, and with Kirito on their side, they were going to win. Knights, mysterious but friendly backup, both pontifex's and the Black Swordsman—things were looking great.

Quinella just wished she could talk to him before it comes.


Underworld, Central Cathedral, Floor 50, Great Hall—4th October, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

The day prior had been nothing but a relatively simple one. Nothing different than what was necessary; paperwork, the usual reports, and avoiding a certain someone at every step. Well, that last part was entirely unnecessary, but damned emotions!

And yet, there had been something odd about the look on Kirito's face. Something that seemed more concerned than he would usually allow himself to seem, which spoke a lot.

He wore his emotions on his sleeve, for certain, but he's not the kind of person who would willingly let any semblance of concern show on his face. The fact that he was stone-faced the entire day, no matter how much effort he put into hiding it, as he read some reports in the Great Hall was concerning.

Well, it was just yesterday, but it seemed like something important. And knowing that it was only right that she help him out with him, she tried.

She really tried.

But for the love of the goddesses, she couldn't even look at him without turning into a nervous wreck! So she would make use of Lycoris's assistance to speak in her stead—she agreed to it, deadpanning look notwithstanding.

"Kirito, the reports you are reading. Laurelei Village in the west? What's wrong?"

"People dead and some going missing, is all."

People dead and going missing. A horrifying notion that even Quinella understood was something that shouldn't be said so casually. Like Kirito had.

And as much as she would have liked to tell him that, he wasn't a fool. It was his own effort to draw attention away from it, and to make sure no one panicked. Still, it hardly achieved such, as everyone's attention quickly shifted towards him, and it was easy to spot the fear in some of them.

Little Silica, Premiere and Tia, and even Alice.

He could as casual as he wants to, but just the act of telling anyone this would be enough to make everyone sick with worry.

It was more than enough to get him to lose his calm a little, sighing as he shook his head. "Sorry. Anyways, as I was saying, I've been receiving reports from the knights patrolling Laurelei Village. Well, I have been receiving them since two weeks ago, but things didn't look so bad. It's gotten even worse recently."

"People going missing..? Are people being kidnapped?" Asuna posed the question first, but the boy simply shook his head.

"I've received descriptions, and so far, humans aren't suspect. It's worrisome, but I'm more inclined to think that monsters from the Dark Forces are the ones that've caused this," before they could voice out their concerns, he raised his hand. "So far, in total, there hasn't been more than just eleven cases. And there are a few things we have to take into consideration."

Sharp look. Firm posture. Focus. He really gets this way when he starts thinking about things, and she wasn't sure how a young boy like him could have possibly become so mature as he is now.

"We have to immediately dismiss the idea of it being some regular monster, as the targets have been very specific; ages between 14 to 30, gender non-specific, but one important trait, which is skilled or strong enough to fight," fight? What a strange thing to point out. "I say this because, so far, all eleven victims are men who are capable of fighting with weapons. «Sacred Arts» aren't taken into consideration, for some reason. They're either soldiers, trainees or casuals."

"That's… weird," pointed out Tia, getting a nod from him.

People capable of fighting..? Wouldn't that take every single person in the village into consideration?

"I would have loved nothing more than to focus my attention on that single village, but things aren't so simple like that," he spreads some other documents on the table, allowing everyone to see. "Two cases in Hinoka Village to the south, five from Zakkaria, and three from Eunir Town in the east. Same criteria."

Most of them were quiet in thought, but Sinon had chosen that moment to speak up. "Wait a minute… Something doesn't seem right. You said that you're certain that it can't be a human who's doing the kidnapping, nor any normal beast, but specifically a monster from the Dark Forces. What gave that away?"

His response was to throw a picture (a detailed drawing, really) of something on the table. Everyone leaned forwards to take a look… and grimaced, some going white in the face.

Right there was a drawing of a boy. Or what should have been, considering his face had all but been mutilated by claws, indicated by the three wide gashes across his face. His nose and eyes were scratched across, and they couldn't recognize the scratch marks.

"If we really thought of some wolf as our candidate, it would make too little sense," Quinella was certain that she stomached the sight well, but Kirito seemed eerily calm. Impressive. "After all, there's a fixed pattern; it's always one individual taken in the night. There's a duration between two hours to three before they're able to find the bodies again, maimed to a certain degree that I'm sure none of us want to know."

To her gratitude, everyone seemed to share her sentiment as they nodded quickly enough.

"Right. So anyways, it's a kidnapping, proceeded by murder, and finally being found. That's no mistake. They're always found," his gaze hardened, a sneer coming onto his expression. "Whoever or whatever is doing this is purposely leaving these bodies around to be discovered. What for, I can't exactly say, but I'm willing to bet coin that they're trying to bait us out."

"But why would they do that? It's not like they can get here and do anything," spoke Vabel, only to earn a shake of the head.

"I would agree with you, I would. But we can no longer dismiss such a thought. We've got one person with us who's proved that," he nods his head towards the dark knight, and the collective understanding dawning on all of them was accompanied by horror. "They know of a way to get into here… and I'm willing to bet that Vector's had a hand in all of this."

"…The earliest case," Asuna's voice was barely heard, what with how quiet she was being. "When was it?"

"Like I said, two weeks ago. 20th day of the ninth month, first case being in Laurelei Village. Nothing really stands out about the place, but it still worries me," his words elicited hums from most of them, but there was no denying the stilled air now. What had occurred was concerning. Incredibly so. "The reason why I didn't have us act any earlier was because the damned chieftains wanted to handle the issues themselves. Splendid job there."

His tone, filled to the brim with sarcasm, did not make them feel any better.

"And with that," his tone is calm yet again, but the sharpness is not gone. "I'm thinking of dispatching teams to these four locations."

The notion got looks of surprise from everyone present, Quinella included. They were going to take the matter into their hands? Aren't there knights present?

She—and by she, she meant Lycoris—brought it up, and he shook his head. "They're unable to do anything. Despite all their efforts, they're just unable to catch the culprit. Whatever we're dealing with is incredibly smart. As such, I'm deploying a four-man team to handle this situation. Smaller numbers with highly skilled individuals sounds like the most plausible plan thus far. I wish I could go, but I think I'll sit this one out."

"Why? 'Cause you're scared?" Teased Liz. He, in turn, scoffed back.

"Hardly. No, I just feel that it's high time I buckle down for the paperwork and do some final changes to the army. I feel like making some other small changes. Plus, I'm expecting a shipment of Li'er fruits from Juvān Village," his expression then turned deadpanning. "Gotta' make sure no dumbass tries to steal from the shipment."

Everyone went quiet almost immediately, some even looking away from the boy.

She could hardly hide the look of amusement from showing up. It is a pretty tasty fruit!

Before she could think further on just who else in the room was guilty of the same offense (she didn't actively steal from it, just that Linel and Fizel just so happened to have some on their persons), a thought hit her. One so insane… she didn't know where it came from.

"Nonetheless, I've only decided on the team leaders, and I'll leave them to picking out their teammates—"

"Excuse me, I've a request."

Quinella flinched when all the attention shifted towards her. It was bad enough that she had suddenly spoken up at such a timing, but to have his eyes on her with naught but curiosity was both relieving and nerve-racking. He was expecting an answer, after all.

"Erk…" She hesitated a little before shaking her head, straightening her posture. "I… I wish to lead one of these teams."

"Quinella?" Muttered Lycoris beside her, surprise on her expression.

The woman in question bit her bottom lip, not sure where this sudden thought came from. She would admit, it sounded quite hardy and unnecessary. She's the ruler of the Human Realm, and if she was needed anywhere, it was here.

And yet… well, the saying 'a good fight to calm the heart' was something she's heard from Deusolbert once, when he and Bercouli got into a silly argument over something, only to then make up when they had a good fight with one another.

Maybe she was expecting too much, but it would be a good chance for her to clear her mind and set herself right.

After all… the boy she loved had fought on the front lines his entire life. He knew what his calling was. Perhaps, if she were to replicate his methods, for as foolish and random as it sounded, maybe she'd find her answers.

"That's… all I ask," her throat was dry. Just talking to him was making everything so much harder. "Is that possible?"

"Err… Well, I don't see why not," he shrugged weakly, a small grin on his face. "Although, are you fine with dirtying your dress? I doubt you have any armour suitable for battle."

"A-Ahaha… R-Right…" The teasing worked itself well, enough so that she started playing with her hair. "I… suppose I could find something in the vault."

He's not doing this on purpose, but dear goddesses is it difficult! With that stupid smile on his face… uurgh!

The nervous butterflies that she had once felt were flying around inside of her yet again. So familiar, so warm—she didn't know what to feel, but if the nervous smile was anything to go by, or how she felt hot in the ears and face, maybe she knew what she was feeling.

She had been prepared to take back her words, until Kirito had nodded. "Very well. You've placed your faith in me before, and I'll make sure that the cathedral still stands even with you gone. I'll watch over it in your stead, Quinella."

Her eyes widened, delight clear on her face. "O-Oh? You don't mind?"

In response, he nodded once more. "I don't mind. Not my place to tell you what to and not to do. Plus, if it were me, I'd jump at the chance to go."

"Not very responsible of you, Kirito," facepalmed his brother, which earned him a leer from the ravenette.

"Yeah, well, you're going. At least you get some action while I'll be stuck here with papers," groaned the boy in exaggeration, drawing out titters from all around the room.

A breath of relief was expelled from her system, one that she didn't know that she was bottling up inside of her. That… was ridiculously tense. And he wasn't even trying to make it that way!

Just her nerves playing up, of course. She'll get over it soon enough.

"Now then, for team leaders," the boy cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. "Quinella, I'll leave you to handle Laurelei Village in the west. Asuna, you'll go to Hinoka Village to the south. Eugeo, Zakkaria in the north. And finally, Edith. You'll take your team to Eunir Town in the east."

"S-Sir?" Perking up, the girl rubbed her arm. "Why would I be chosen as leader?"

"No reason, really, but it would give you a good idea of how to lead because, quite frankly, you're gonna' be stationed with your own battalion during the fight," the explanation gets her to whiten, the idea sounding too much. He shared the sentiment, nodding sheepishly. "Yeeaah, sorry about that. But… the knights will need someone to look up to for orders. You will need to be able to command them in the thick of battle so that they know what to do."

"I-I see…" Gulping, she shakes her head and makes a salute. "I-I'll do my best!"

"I know you will," chuckled the boy, sending heat along her neck and ears. "Now then, I'll leave you to pick your teams. Move out on the sixth. Tomorrow, ready your equipment and whatnot," his tone then turned serious, his fingers intertwined. "I know I don't have to say this, but be careful. We don't know what's really going on here, but it's just around the time that the war's coming up. It's highly suspicious, so be vigilant, and protect each other."

Or you will die, went unsaid, but the message was clear. Everyone nodded back, looks of understanding and grim determination clear on their faces.

For Quinella, however, she was only convicted.


Underworld, Central Cathedral, Floor 95, Morning Star Lookout—4th October, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

Night rolled in as everyone returned to their rooms, keen on getting some rest and doing whatever that would be required of them the next day.

Quinella had sworn she heard muttering and grumbles, only to see the object of her affection being dragged away by a grinning Medina. Something about her 'little sister getting some training'? Well, that's sweet of her.

Although the boy looked hardly pleased at the prospect of losing some extra hours of sleep. Goddesses know that he loves sleeping more than anything.

But no! Right now, the issue isn't about him. It's about something else entirely, and that's what Lycoris is for.

"Do tell me for what reason that you have for dragging me through the corridors at night."

"No time!"

The young girl in question sighed in exasperation, letting herself get dragged by her 'sister' until they finally arrived at their destination. The ninety-fifth floor, with the clear view of the night sky that was decorated with countless gleaming stars.

She was seated at a table, with the older-looking woman quick to sit in front of her.

"What's the matter?" She sounded annoyed, but if anyone had ever asked her about this, this was a more common occurrence than one would think.

Being dragged here, only to listen to Quinella and help her through whatever problem she was facing.

She did promise that she'd do whatever was necessary to help the woman, but she didn't think she took it literally! Now she's stuck with playing her personal psychiatrist, most of the time forced to sit back and listen to her whine about her inability to talk to her beloved. And again.

And again, and again, and… Well, you get the gist.

But it seemed that the woman had a fire burning in her eyes. Perhaps it was something else?

"Lycoris," she began, crossing her arms beneath her chest. "Do you… know of anyone that I can take with me?"

"Well, Kirito's friends are many, and I'm certain that there will still be some who would be willing to join you," pointed out the girl, but her 'sister' shook her head.

"I… feel uncomfortable taking them with me," before Lycoris could say a word, she raised both arms in defense. "F-For good reason! I just… They're Kirito's friends."

"They are?" It was said more of a statement than a question, though tinged with a bit of confusion.

"And… well, I have a feeling that I'll be too distracted thinking about things with them around to focus on the mission. Urgh, I don't know how to put it, Lycoris… I trust them, immensely, but I just don't feel right," she hugged herself a little tighter, a look of discomfort present on her face. "It's childish, I know, but… I don't know…"

The other girl at the table sighed. It was childish, yet she couldn't blame her. Feelings aren't meant to be understood, and the woman before her has to deal with foreign emotions that she's probably never had to dealt with before.

That all changed after meeting Kirito, and now, she has to deal with this strange concept of feeling, consequences and confusion.

She most certainly had a reason to be afraid, or at least nervous of his friends. Whatever it was, it was hers to keep.

But Lycoris could tell, from the moment that she asked to lead a team for the mission, she seemed like she really wanted it. As in, really wanted it.

"Why do you want to go?" She asked instead, examining the look of pondering on her face.

"…I don't know. Maybe it would help?" She answered weakly, adding in a one-shoulder shrug. "I mean, it might just give me the answers I need to understand things. A good fight does help to clear the mind and ease the heart, and even if there won't be a fight… it could help a little."

"I see… Well, your logic isn't exactly wrong," her fingers twitched, a little disappointed that there wasn't a cup of tea in her hands, but she ignored it. "It is true, to a certain extent. Some things, only the sense of danger in the wilderness can explain… But this is rather foolish. This is an official mission you are to go on. You will be placing yourself in danger. Are you certain of this?"

"More than anything," a firm nod. Unlike the slouches and jitters that Quinella had been these past few weeks. "Please, Lycoris… It would mean a lot to me if you could help."

Find three people suitable of accompanying the woman on her mission beyond the safety of her cathedral… It sounded so bizarre, but stranger things had already come and gone, and Lycoris knew better than to question her 'sister's' decision.

If it'll really make her brave enough to deal with this issue of hers… well, it'll be a win-win for everyone in the end.

"Fine…" She can't believe it. She's actually going to help her. Again."I shall assist you."

"Y-You can?" Perking up, it was hard not to cheer out loud. She did raise her voice a little. "Splendid! Who did you have in mind?"

Lycoris's answer was not immediate, as she hoped, but the smile she had on her face was certainly unsettling.


Underworld, Centoria, Norlangarth Swords Mastery Academy —5th October, Year 380 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity

"This is a terrible idea..!"

"It is not."

She rolled her eyes. Again. For what must have felt like the umpteenth time already in just today.

The sight of the Human Realm's two pontifex's walking down the corridor and to her own office made for an extremely peculiar sight (and one could find potential in it as some sort of lame joke), enough so that several students stopped mid-walk just to look at the two, shock being the most common emotion that showed on their faces.

The unnecessary attention didn't bother her in the slightest, but who would have thought that Quinella of all people would find it unnerving? Again, being a shut-in was not doing her wonders.

Then again, it might have been even worse if she hadn't gone out of the cathedral every now and then with Linel and Fizel. To the two youngest Integrity Knights, she was nothing but grateful.

"Calm yourself, Quinella. They are just students. It's not like they'll attempt to assassinate you when you're not looking," a poor joke on her part, as the woman tensed a little.

"I'm not considering that! It's just… everyone is looking at us…" She mumbled, keeping her eyes forwards but more than a little jumpy. Her steps were graceful, but there was a nervous energy present, judging by the eyes and the small few gulps she made. "Can we walk faster?"

"Any faster and you'll probably fall," snorted the younger-looking girl, ignoring the glower she was getting. "You had to choose to wear heels. Why?"

"Wh—What do you mean why? I didn't have anything else!" As if to get the point even more across (if that made even a single shred of sense), she gestured to herself.

Right. Her wardrobe was severely lacking, and the dress she's wearing is probably the only thing that she wears.

Well, the hair's a little different, of course. A beautiful braid, handiwork of both Linel's and Fizel's.

'She certainly is getting along with those two,' she would be foolish to deny the fact that she felt proud of her 'sister', and a little happy. Not like she would ever tell her that.

All the students were still staring at them, but Quinella had managed to ignore them a little better now. There would be the occasional mutters of awe and concern, but Lycoris would grab the reins and assuage them with a simple wave of her hand, getting them to go on with their day. Nothing to worry about.

The two reached the headmaster's office a few moments later, Lycoris taking her seat while Quinella grabbed a seat from the side and moved it beside her 'sister's' chair. She took a moment to look around, appreciate the sights and calm her nerves.

It was extremely simple, yet had a uniqueness to it that made it rather captivating. Curtained windows, an oaken desk, similar wood used for the floor and a large red wood door. What really caught her attention were the various trinkets sprinkled around in the room to add some flavour; the framed hand-drawn pictures at the shelf to her right, a unique sword hung on the wall to her left, and a slew of other things.

Whatever that Quinella wanted to say to her would obviously have to wait, as the students she had called for were right outside of her door.

"Come in," she called out, and the door opened, revealing three little girls.

Quinella wanted her team, and she'll get it.


Author's Notes:

I'm tryna' come up with something to progress this story. I think it'll work.

After all, this weird-ass story is working so far, do maybe it won't be too bad.